#TurksandCaicos, September 19, 2017 – Providenciales –
Dear Public Servants,
Following on from communication challenges on the island of Grand Turk where I was charged with the responsibility to lead on the Post Irma Recovery Efforts for the past 10 days, I am pleased to now be able to address you.
First and foremost, I must thank God for his blessings and for sparing all lives across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands during the passage of Hurricane Irma.
Secondly, I must register my profound thanks to all public servants that have played an integral role in assisting with the recovery process thus far, most especially our Permanent and Deputy Secretaries, Department of Disaster Management, Emergency Responders, Police, Customs, Immigration and many other key personnel that have been fully engaged prior to, during and post Hurricane Irma. Your sacrifice and commitment in the face of having suffered your own personal losses is greatly appreciated.
As the public service is expected to play a key role in the recovery process it is important that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government actively works towards the resumption of services across the entire Turks and Caicos Islands including the reopening of schools.
In this vein, damage assessments have been carried out on government buildings (both owned and leased) and all staff are being asked to return to work on Tuesday, September 19th, 2017 to assist the islands recovery process and to provide critical services to the general public.
As there remains challenges regarding the provision of electricity several buildings have already been equipped with generators and additional stocks are also being procured. Where there has been significant damage and staff can no longer effectively operate from their previous locations, arrangements are being made to either pool departments or to relocate to new premises. Kindly contact your Heads of Departments or Permanent Secretaries in this regard.
Kindly note that effective immediately the Turks and Caicos Islands Government will however operate on reduced working hours from 9am to 3pm each day until further notice.
On a final note, I would like to advise that TCIG is closely monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Maria and its possible effect on the Turks and Caicos Islands. Considering this, I would like to use this opportunity to urge all staff to make the necessary preparations and adjustments to their homes. TCIG will similarly begin to make the necessary preparations including providing advice on the closure of Government services should the Turks and Caicos remain within the affected path.
Kindly note that a separate announcement will be made regarding the resumption of schools.
Once again thank you for your continued stewardship and dedication as we seek to rebuild our beautiful islands.
Best regards,
Anya Williams
Deputy Governor
Turks and Caicos Islands
Government Press Office
Waterloo Road, Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos Islands
Tel: (649) 338-3924/ 338-3925
Ext: 3924/3925
Email: tcigpressrelease@gov.tc
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